The Houston Astros square off with the Tampa Bay Rays in the divisional round opening matchup of the 2019 MLB playoffs. The 107-55 Astros have the best record in Major League Baseball and will hold home field advantage until somebody takes it from them. Game 1 gets going on Friday at Minute Maid Park, with first pitch scheduled for 2:05 p.m. and the game set to air on FS1.
The Astros rolled through most of their opposition, but the Rays did give them at least a little bit of trouble. Houston was 4-3 in the series, but this will be a David vs. Goliath matchup. Tampa claimed the second wild card berth and rolled through the Oakland A’s behind four homers and a strong pitching performance from starter Charlie Morton and three relief pitchers.
Houston is the favorite to win the World Series, and is a heavy favorite in this series. DraftKings Sportsbook installed them at -335 to take down the Rays, who are at +260. By comparison, the Yankees are installed at --235 to beat the Twins (+195).
Check back throughout the series for the latest odds, schedule and roster information for Astros-Rays in the 2019 ALDS!